• Marizanne Kapp’s heroics and Laura Wolvaardt’s ton propelled South Africa into Women’s World Cup 2025 final.

  • Wolvaardt was adjudged Player of the Match in Semi final 1 against England for her exceptional century.

Fan’s go gaga as Marizanne Kapp’s all-round magic and Laura Wolvaardt’s century fire South Africa into the Women’s World Cup 2025 final
Marizanne Kapp’s all-round brilliance and Laura Wolvaardt’s century fire South Africa into the Women’s World Cup 2025 final (Image source: X)

South Africa Women stormed into their maiden after a dominant 125-run victory over England in the first semi-final at Guwahati. The Proteas’ triumph was powered by a record-breaking century from captain Laura Wolvaardt and a devastating five-wicket haul from Marizanne Kapp, leaving fans in awe and setting up a historic final showdown.​

Laura Wolvaardt’s record-breaking ton sets the stage

Put in to bat, South Africa got off to a flying start with an opening partnership of 116 runs between Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits. Brits contributed 45 before falling to Sophie Ecclestone, who then struck again to remove Anneke Bosch and Sune Luus in quick succession, reducing South Africa to 119/3. However, Wolvaardt stood tall, anchoring the innings with a magnificent 169 off just 143 balls, laced with 20 fours and four sixes. Her knock was the highest individual score by a South African in a Women’s World Cup and the third-highest in knockout matches, narrowly missing Harmanpreet Kaur’s record of 171.​

Wolvaardt found able support from Marizanne Kapp (42) and Chloe Tryon (33*), who helped the Proteas recover from the middle-order collapse and finish strongly with 319/7 in their 50 overs. Ecclestone was the pick of England’s bowlers with 4/44, but the rest of the attack struggled to contain the Proteas’ aggressive batting, especially in the death overs.​

Marizanne Kapp’s five-wicket haul seals the victory against England

England’s chase began in disaster as Kapp ripped through their top order, dismissing Amy Jones and Heather Knight for ducks in her first over. Ayabonga Khaka then removed Tammy Beaumont, leaving England reeling at 1/3. Nat Sciver-Brunt (64) and (50) staged a brief recovery with a 100-run partnership, but Kapp returned to dismantle the middle order, claiming her fifth wicket to finish with figures of 5/20 in 7 overs. Her spell was the second five-wicket haul of her World Cup career and made her the highest wicket-taker in Women’s World Cup history, surpassing Jhulan Goswami’s record.​

England’s innings never recovered from the early blows, and they were bowled out for 194 in 42.3 overs, handing South Africa a comprehensive 125-run victory. The Proteas will now face the winner of the India vs Australia semi-final in the final, marking their first-ever appearance in a Women’s World Cup final.

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About the Author:
Akash Thapa is a dedicated cricket journalist with three years of experience in the media industry. A BA (JMC) graduate from VIPS, GGSIPU, and a postgraduate in MAJMC from the University of Lucknow, Akash combines his academic credentials with a deep-rooted passion for cricket.His background as a former junior-level wrestler and cricketer enriches his insightful analysis and commentary on the game. Known for his inventive approach to writing and his commitment to capturing the nuances of cricket, Akash is a true aficionado of the sport.Connect with Akash on , , and .